Sermon on 17 March 2024 by Ps Gaius
Introduction
How do we know when the Lord wants us to wait and trust in His plan, and when to lean on help from man? The latter may seem to be relying on human wisdom, but could it be provision from God? How then do we know what to do?
Message
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:1-12
Seek God
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. - Psalm 20:7
King David fought many wars and won territories. He did use chariots and horses to fight his wars, but ultimately used these things in alignment with the Lord. Our resources are limited. They will not be able to solve everything. We tend to exhaust all our resources before coming to God. Praying becomes the last resort. Spending time with God should not be the last thing that we do. It should be the first. Jesus Christ prayed first thing every morning. You grow when you are close to God. Joy comes with growth.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that we have to seek Him. Pray, read the bible, and the Holy Spirit will reveal the solution to us. If it is God’s plan, even a difficult path is the right decision. It will be the right path and He will be with us.
Please God
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:7-8
We fear Him not because we are afraid, but our fear is of reverence.
Glorify God
If we love God, we will want to please Him. Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us to use our resources.
Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. - Proverbs 3:9-10
All our wealth belongs to God. We should be giving back to His Kingdom first. We will have enough.
Appreciate God
Appreciate that every good thing is from God. Even when we are going through a difficult time, if we give thanks rather than grumble, it is easier to get through the difficulty. We are not giving thanks for the trouble, but rather, that God is with us to take us through this trouble.
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12
Obey God
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. - Proverbs 3:1-2
If we love Him, we will obey Him. The bible tells us to love our neighbour, so let us obey and love our neighbour.
Love and Truth
Let our lives always be filled with love and truth.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5
Closing
May the grace of the Lord be with us as we seek Him, please Him, glorify Him, appreciate Him, obey Him and live our lives in love and in truth.
Comments